Main Water Shut Off Valve Leaking From Stem

If you have a water leak or just need to turn off the water in your home for remodeling or repairs you must turn off your water upstream at some point.

Main water shut off valve leaking from stem.

Open a faucet to relieve back pressure on water line. The water valve stem passes through a packing nut and washer which provide a watertight seal. Tighten the packing nut the packing nut is responsible for making a watertight seal where the valve stem meets the water line. In all homes you can shut off the water at the main water cut off valve.

You may need to shut off water to the entire house if there is no cut off for the line. If the valve leak persists turn off the main water shutoff valve then disconnect the valve and replace it. The first thing you should do to stop the leak is to tighten the packing nut. The main water shut off valve stops the flow to the entire home from the water meter while other water valve types shut off the water at individual appliances fixtures and faucets.

A water shut off valve leaking can make a mess and waste water. This guide reviews the types of water shut off valves how they are used and where to find them inside and outside your home. Place a bucket or a thick towel on the floor under the leaky valve just in case some residual water leaks out during work. When you tighten the packing nut on your main water shut off valve it binds down the packing material against the washer to stop any water from getting through.

Not sure if this is your problem. Is probably occurring around the water valve stem. Don t use any pipe dope or plastic tape on the valve stem s threads. Water shut off valves can also leak at various points on the valve.

Step 3 remove the screw in the center of the shutoff valve handle using a screwdriver. Avoid gumming up the inside of the shutoff valve. Turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets associated with the main shutoff valve to empty the pipes of water. It s not uncommon for a brand new shut off valve to leak around the handle area whenever you turn it on.

Required tools for this project. Reassemble the shutoff valve turn the main house valve back on and check for leaks. Over time though this packing material can form a solid seal because it hardens or disintegrates which causes the valve to leak. For instance a standard stop and waste valve has three other washers that can leak in addition to the washer that shuts the water off.

Locate and shut off water supply to the line that feeds the leaking valve.